Frankly, my dear…Creating Unforgettable Characters
Happy Holidays!
I know it's hard for me to focus on the writing during the holidays, but here are several character examples from some holiday movies and the lifetraps (schemas) they are dealing with.
Holiday Movie Examples
I always find it easier to write characters when I identify with what they're going through emotionally. And I love to watch movies and TV to mine examples of character journeys. Here are a few holiday movies that might inspire a character in you.
The Knight Before Christmas. If you've ever taken a conflict class with me, you know my pet peeve is characters who are disillusioned with love. Although Brooke (Vanessa Hudgens) is such a character, embodying the Mistrust schema, it's still an entertaining movie. Recall that characters who mistrust need to be shown how to trust in someone again. What better hero to give Brooke than a knight? Add the twist of time travel and you've got some external conflict to drive the story forward.
The Christmas Chronicles. So many books are written about characters who are orphaned, lose a parent or are widowed, often unexpectedly. The heart of this movie is teenage Teddy (Judah Lewis), who feels Abandoned by his father's death. His life is off track. He's lost his moral compass, and he knows it. He writes a letter to Santa with one wish – to talk to his father one last time. Intellectually, he knows this won't happen. He doesn't believe in Santa. And that's where his internal conflict comes in...along with the real Santa (Kurt Russell).
Scrooged. If you're into characters that could use a little redeeming or heart, look no further than Scrooge (in the film played by Bill Murray), who embodies the Entitlement schema. What does Scrooge need to learn? That his external goal isn't worthy and that he isn't above others.
It's a Wonderful Life. How could we talk about holiday movies without mentioning George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart). He is the typical martyr character, embodying the Self-Sacrifice schema. The journey to character growth for a martyr is often by showing how others can take care of themselves so a martyr may dial back nurturing and take care of themselves more. However, by showing George how different life would be without him, he achieves character growth because he no longer resents putting the needs of others ahead of his own.
Have you noticed any examples of coming of age or the anti-hero/wounded alpha in what you're watching? Drop me a note if you have!
Does this insight interest you? If so, check out my writing craft book (chock full of conflict, character journeys and happily-ever-afters from movies and TV). Not sure if it’s for you? Sign up for my writing newsletter and receive a free workbook.
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